Too much glucose (sugar) in the blood for a long time can cause
diabetes problems. This high blood glucose (also called blood sugar)
can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels,
eyes, and kidneys. Heart and blood vessel disease can lead to heart
attacks and strokes. You can do a lot to prevent or slow down
diabetes problems.

High blood glucose can cause tooth and gum
problems.

This booklet is about the tooth and gum problems caused by
diabetes. You will learn what you can do each day and during each
year to stay healthy and prevent diabetes problems.

Tooth and gum problems can happen to anyone. A sticky film full
of germs (called plaque [PLAK]) builds up on your teeth. High blood
glucose helps germs (bacteria) grow. Then you can get red, sore, and
swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.

People with diabetes can have tooth and gum problems more often
if their blood glucose stays high. High blood glucose can make tooth
and gum problems worse. You can even lose your teeth.

Smoking makes it more likely for you to get a bad case of gum
disease, especially if you have diabetes and are age 45 or
older.

Red, sore, and bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease.
This can lead to periodontitis (PER-ee-oh-don-TY-tis). Periodontitis
is an infection in the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in
place. If the infection gets worse, your gums may pull away from
your teeth, making your teeth look long.

Call your dentist if you think you have problems with your teeth
or gums.

Use dental floss at least once a day. Flossing helps prevent the buildup
of plaque on your teeth. Plaque can harden and grow under your gums and
cause problems. Using a sawing motion, gently bring the floss between the
teeth, scraping from bottom to top several times.

Brush your teeth after each meal and snack. Use a soft toothbrush. Turn
the bristles against the gum line and brush gently. Use small, circular
motions. Brush the front, back, and top of each tooth.

If you wear false teeth, keep them clean.

Ask the person who cleans your teeth to show you the best way
to brush and floss your teeth and gums. Ask this person about the
best toothbrush and toothpaste to use.

Call your dentist right away if you have problems with your
teeth and gums.

Call your dentist if you have red, sore, or bleeding gums;
gums that are pulling away from your teeth; a sore tooth that
could be infected; or soreness from your dentures.

Get your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist
twice a year.

If your dentist tells you about a problem, take care of it
right away.

telling you if you have problems with your teeth or gums and
what to do about them

making sure your false teeth fit well

Plan ahead. You may be taking a diabetes medicine that can make
your blood glucose too low. This very low blood glucose is called
hypoglycemia (hy-po-gly-SEE-mee-uh). If so, talk to your doctor and
dentist before the visit about the best way to take care of your
blood glucose during the dental work. You may need to bring some
diabetes medicine and food with you to the dentist's office.

If your mouth is sore after the dental work, you might not be
able to eat or chew for several hours or days. For guidance on how
to adjust your normal routine while your mouth is healing, ask your
doctor

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA or Health Canada. Content and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your Doctor.

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